Journal of Nutrition & Food Sciences
Open Access
ISSN: 2155-9600
ISSN: 2155-9600
Mushaphi L F, Motadi S A, Mbhatsani H V, Mabapa N S, Mandiwana T C, Ramakuela N J and Mahopo T C
University of Venda, South Africa
Posters-Accepted Abstracts: J Nutr Food Sci
Background: Diet of many South Africans consists of porridge as staple food which is usually consumed with vegetables, legumes and a small amount of animal derived food poor consumption of balanced diet could result in poor weight gain during pregnancy increasing the risk of premature delivery, low birth weight and birth defects. Aim: To determine the maternal dietary practices in relation to anthropometric status of infants aged 0-6 weeks. Setting: The study was carried out in four clinics of Vhembe district, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out among two hundred and forty (240) pregnant women and their infant were selected conveniently from four clinics in Vhembe District. Anthropometric measurements were taken following standard techniques. Data on dietary practices and socio-demographic information were collected using a questionnaire, permission and clearance were obtained and participantâ�?�?s rights were respected. Results: Forty five percent of the study participants have eaten carrots, bananas, apples, spinach, cabbage and beetroots during pregnancy while 26.7% of the study participants reported that they have eaten carrots, oranges, bananas, apples, spinach, cabbage and beetroots during pregnancy. The majority of participants (91.7%) received folate and iron supplements while 8.3% received iron, folate and calcium supplements during pregnancy. Half of participants during pregnancy had normal BMI, 13.3% were underweight, 30% were overweight and 6.7% were obese. More than third quarter of infants (80%) at birth had normal WAZ (-1SD to â�?¤+2SD), 6.7% of infants were underweight (<-3SD to <-2SD) while 11.7% of infants were mildly underweight (-2SD to <-1SD). Conclusion: Prevalence of underweight, wasting and stunting is due to low weight gain during pregnancy and improper maternal diet (imbalanced diet). Mothers who were undernourished during pregnancy had given birth to low birth weight babies.
Mushaphi Lindelani Fhumudzani has completed PhD from University of Free State in South Africa. She is currently working as a Lecturer in the Department of Nutrition at the University of Venda. She have published 6 papers in reputed journals and supervised 3 master students.